Sister Sylvia Leonardi, a native of Kenosha, Wisconsin, grew up in a multigenerational Italian family which included her parents, grandparents, and two younger brothers. In this setting Sylvia learned the give-and-take and openness to others necessary to live in an extended family. She learned life-long values of love, respect, compassion, and service. Her family life was rich in Italian heritage, and as a young girl Sylvia worked at the family’s Cardinali’s Bakery.
Sylvia first became acquainted with the School Sisters of St. Francis It was when she enrolled in St. Joseph High School. She received an excellent education from kind and supportive sisters. Sylvia observed the sisters’ sense of community, their values, and prayer life. The sisters’ dedication, and her desire to serve, teach, and share God with others, inspired Sylvia to join them following graduation. In August 1965, Sylvia was received into the School Sister community she had grown to love.
At Alverno College, Sylvia prepared to become a teacher. She learned advanced teaching techniques and the importance of responding to the needs of each child. The sparkle in her students’ eyes has kept her motivated to continue teaching. She especially enjoys preparing children for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and First Eucharist.
Sylvia has been very innovative in developing a curriculum for teaching meditation to pre-school through fifth-grade students. She notes it “brings a sense of quietness and comfort” to the children. The students are very receptive to their time spent in meditation, and their parents are greatly appreciative.
Beyond her teaching duties, Sylvia spends long hours serving the needs of the poor and underprivileged. She has raised thousands of dollars over the years with an annual raffle to support Assisi Special School in India for children with disabilities. She also has collected carloads of mittens, hats, and scarves for the needs of others in wintertime. She is always ready to help others, and her dedication to the poor is a reflection of her Franciscan values as a School Sister of St. Francis.
Today, Sylvia reflects on the joys of teaching children about God. She teaches them to care for and be compassionate with others. She asks, “How can we live like Jesus in 2025?” Being a Franciscan, she treasures nature, sharing community with friends and co-workers, and bringing peace and God’s love to the people she meets.
She acknowledges the changes in the Church that have given her the ability to be available to others when needed. Living our International Community Experience (ICE) program in 2010 was an outstanding, eye-opening month of sacredness and community, and it has aided in her world view and outreach to the poor. That continues today, not only in her teaching endeavors, but also in parish work that calls to fulfill the needs of God's people.